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Pacific Nations Cup announces 2019 schedule

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Alex Goff, FloRugby

World Rugby has today announced the schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2019 taking place over three rounds from July 27 to August 10 of the new year. 

The competition is part of a readiness program for Rugby World Cup 2019 with the Men’s Eagles hosting rival-Canada at in their opening match at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO on July 27.

Along with rival-Canada, the United States will also face Samoa and World Cup hosts Japan at Anz Stadium in Suva, Fiji on August 3 and August 10, respectively. In total, six teams will compete in the annual competition including Fiji and Tonga. All games will be contested in a cross-pool format with points awarded at each round and the highest number of points at the conclusion of the tournament crowning a champion.

All six teams in the Pacific Nations Cup or PNC, are qualified for Rugby World Cup Japan giving fans a much-anticipated preview of what’s to come at the World’s third-largest single-sport event later that year. Similarly, the high quality of competition — with all teams ranked in the world’s Top 20 — will bode well as the Eagles continue to build on their new high of No. 12 in the world. The Eagles are accompanied by Fiji at No. 8, Japan at No. 11, Tonga at No. 14, Samoa at No. 16 and Canada at No. 20.

USA last participated in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup in 2015 where they came in fifth-place. The tournament was last hosted in 2018 with four teams competing and Fiji claiming their fourth-consecutive title with a win over Georgia.

Ahead of the PNC 2019, the Eagle men will open their World Cup year with the Americas Rugby Championship 2019 where they’ll hope to secure their third-consecutive title.

General Manager for Men’s 15s Programs Dave Hodges said: “We’re looking forward to strengthening our schedule and preparation for Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 with three test matches in the Pacific Nations Cup,” said Dave Hodges. “Hosting our northern rivals Canada after what we know will be a fiercely contested Americas Rugby Championship at the beginning of the year will be great for our home fans. Adding to that two matches against Samoa and Japan will allow our men to test our strengths and increase our depth with a competitive lineup before the World Cup.”

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “With all roads leading to Rugby World Cup 2019, it is exciting to announce that six participating unions, Canada, Fiji, hosts Japan, Samoa, Tonga and USA will feature in the World Rugby Pacific Cup 2019 line-up.

“This announcement reflects our commitment to provide a strong preparation platform for these unions immediately prior to our showcase event, to build excitement in two host cities and deliver an important programme of testing and readiness ahead of Asia’s first Rugby World Cup.”

Tickets to see the United States face rival-Canada at Infinity Park as part of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup will be on sale in the coming weeks. In the meantime, fans can still select their seats for one of the Men’s Eagles home matches in the Americas Rugby Championship at usarugby.org/tickets.

Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 will take place from September 20 to November 2, 2019 with the United States drawn in Pool C alongside England, France, Argentina and Tonga. Tickets will be back on sale January 19 while Official Supporter Tour and Hospitality packages can be purchased now at rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

Pacific Nations Cup 2019 Schedule

Round 1: Saturday, July 27

Fiji vs Japan | Kamaishi, Japan

USA vs Canada | Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado

Tonga vs Samoa | Apia, Samoa

Round 2: Saturday, August 3

Tonga vs Japan | Hanazono, Japan

USA vs Samoa | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Fiji vs Canada | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Round 3: Friday, August 9

Tonga vs Canada | Churchill Park, Lautoka

Round 3: Sat, August 10

USA vs Japan | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Fiji vs Samoa | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Ardern says gov’t needs to protect workers better; Peters calls modern slavery “a reality”

By
Philip Cass
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today the government needed to weed out employers who abused workers.

The Prime Minister was speaking after Samoan national Viliamu Samu, 64, was charged with 18 counts of human trafficking and slavery.

“There are some cases here where there is exploitation occurring where people have the right to work here,” Ardern told Radio New Zealand.

“So there’sa couple of things we need to do here – firstly, weeding out employers who …might not uphold proper employment practices before they are able to access migrant labour.”

She said workers who might be vulnerable to being exploited but had a right to work in New Zealand needed to be educated about their rights.

The government also needed to provide ways people could report exploitation anonymously.

The Prime Minister said the government needed to be able to protect people better.

Modern slavery

Last month Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters described modern slavery as “a reality in New Zealand.”

At the time of his statement, the government had prosecuted two cases of human trafficking since 2015, he said.

“We also believe that many cases go undetected and that some of the products we import do not come from clean supply chains,” Peters said. 

In April this year Transparency International said the New Zealand government needed to speed up the introduction of a Modern Slavery Act to establish clearer rules,tighter regulations and more costly punishments for people and businesses involved in modern slavery.

Transparency International said dairy and horticultural workers described abuse, poor working conditions, lack of pay and being threatened if they complained to Immigration New Zealand.

A Salvation Army report on modern slavery in New Zealand in 2016 said Fijian migrant workers had been left to starve.

The report quoted police as saying modern slavery in New Zealand primarily involved worker exploitation or forced labour, often migrant workers.

Workers abused

Viliamu Samu was charged with abusing the workers during a quarter of a century in Hawke’s Bay.

He appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday following a two-year investigation by Immigration New Zealand and the police.

Samu is better known in the community as Joseph Matamata.

Immigration New Zealand uncovered the exploitation in Hastings while looking into a visa and immigration issue.

The Prime Minister said there had been 1800 complaints in the past year, leading to 13 prosecutions, and 300 investigation.

The main points

  • New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern said today the government needed to weed out employers who might abuse workers.
  • The Prime Minister was speaking after Samoan national Viliamu Samu, 64, was charged with 18 counts of human trafficking and slavery.
  • She said the government needed to be able to protect people better.

For more information

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discusses protecting migrant workers

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/378504/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-discusses-protecting-migrant-workers

Modern slavery

Modern Slavery – Part 2

Modern slavery

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/modern-slavery

Man arrested after drugs seized at ‘Eua wharf

By
Kalino Latu
-

‘Eua Police have arrested and charged a man following the seizure of 3.2 kilograms of cannabis at Nāfanua wharf.

The 44-year-old-man was arrested with a bag of cannabis on Thursday 13 December at around 3:50 pm, a statement said.

Police speculated the bag of illicit drug was intended to be transported to Tongatapu in the domestic ferry that was scheduled to depart ‘Eua at 4.30 pm that same afternoon.

 “We continue to focus on capturing and prosecuting those responsible for the supply of these destructive drugs that cause harm to our youths, families and our community,” Eua Police Commander Inspector Loluhama Fine said.   

“We encourage anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact their nearest Police station, or ring 23417 or 922.”

The suspect is in police custody while investigation continues.

NZ sends new diplomat to Tonga amid Chinese growing influence 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

WELLINGTON, 19 DECEMBER 2018 (REUTERS) —New Zealand will send 14 new diplomats to the Pacific region next year, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, the latest move by Western governments to counter China’s growing influence in the strategic region.

The additional staff will be based in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and the U.S. state of Hawaii, Peters said in a statement.

The move comes amid growing Western concerns about China’s influence in the South Pacific through its Belt and Road initiative, which dominated a recent Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit hosted by Papua New Guinea.

“These new positions are a first step in demonstrating New Zealand is committed to the Pacific to help it be … safer and more prosperous and enhancing New Zealand’s voice in a region,” Peters said.

The jobs will be advertised by the end of this year and the new posts expected to be filled by the middle of 2019,Peters’ office said.

New Zealand is also sending four additional diplomats to Japan, the United States, the European Union and China to coordinate policy on the Pacific region, Peters said.

The United States, Australia, France and Britain are opening new embassies, adding more staff and engaging with leaders of island nations more often in a bid to counter China’s rising influence.

Competition between the United States and China over the Pacific was thrown into focus at APEC in November with the United States and its Western allies launching a coordinated response to China’s Belt and Road programme.

Two injured after huffing explosion at apartment in south Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

(New Zealand Herald) Two teenagers have been injured, one critically, after a chemical huffing explosion at an South Auckland apartment block this morning.

A police spokesperson said they were called to a house fire on Clayton Ave, in Otara about 2.50am, to assist the Fire Service.

A male was in a critical condition and a female was in a serious condition, a St John spokesperson said.

The patients, both 16, have been transported to Middlemore Hospital.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the explosion caused a small house fire which was put out quickly. There was damage to the floor above the location and a window blew out.

Japan hosts Tonga, Fiji matches ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019

By
Kalino Latu
-

• Japan will host two Pacific Nations Cup 2019 matches in preparation for Rugby World Cup
• Brave Blossoms play Fiji in Kamaishi and Tonga in Hanazono, both Rugby World Cup venues
• All six participating teams qualified for Rugby World Cup and ranked in world top 20
• Fiji are reigning champions and highest ranked team following recent victory over France
• Played across three rounds on 27 July, 3 August and 9-10 August with matches also taking place in Fiji, Samoa and USA
• Fiji to host World Rugby Pacific Challenge from 8-16 March, an annual U23 development competition involving Fiji Warriors, Tonga A, Samoa A and Junior Japan 

World Rugby has announced that Japan will host two Pacific Nations Cup 2019 matches as part of a readiness programme for Rugby World Cup 2019.

With Rugby World Cup fever sweeping across the nation, fans in Japan will have the opportunity to see the Brave Blossoms play two test matches against Fiji in Kamaishi and Tonga in Hanazono.

The selection of Kamaishi and Hanazono, who will host Fiji and Tonga respectively during Rugby World Cup 2019, provides the opportunity for the cities and fans to build an affinity with teams, while delivering the hosts with an important operational testing platform.

In addition to Japan, Fiji and Tonga, the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2019 will be contested by Rugby World Cup teams Canada, Samoa and USA over three rounds on 27 July, 3 August and 9-10 August 2019 with matches also played in Fiji, Samoa and USA. 

View the Pacific Nations Cup match schedule here >>

Anticipation of a high-quality competition is high with reigning champions Fiji currently eighth in the World Rugby Rankings, Japan 11th, USA a record 12th, Tonga 14th, Samoa 16th and Canada 20th. 

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “With all roads leading to Rugby World Cup 2019, it is exciting to announce that six participating unions, Canada, Fiji, hosts Japan, Samoa, Tonga and USA will feature in the World Rugby Pacific Cup 2019 line-up.

“This announcement reflects our commitment to provide a strong preparation platform for these unions immediately prior to our showcase event, to build excitement in two host cities and deliver an important programme of testing and readiness ahead of Asia’s first Rugby World Cup.” 

Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Noriyuki Sakamoto said: “It is with great pleasure that two Pacific Nations Cup 2019 matches will be held in Japan, just two months before Rugby World Cup 2019 commences. We look forward to welcoming Fiji and Tonga to the match venues of Rugby World Cup 2019, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Iwate and the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, respectively.” 

Prior to the Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji will host the Pacific Challenge which is an annual World Rugby high performance strategic investment tournament designed to provide high quality competition for development teams featuring players aged 23 and under.

Fiji Warriors have claimed the Pacific Challenge title on the past three occasions and will be looking to continue their winning streak on home soil against Tonga A, Samoa A and Junior Japan. The matches will take place in Suva on 8, 12 and 16 March 2019.

View the Pacific Challenge match schedule here >>

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee said: “The World Rugby Pacific Challenge is a key tournament for Fiji in terms of providing a pathway step for our most talented young players from Fiji’s Academy and U20 programmes in their quest to achieve higher honours representing the Flying Fijians.”

Following the Pacific Challenge, the second edition of the ‘World Rugby Pacific Combine’ will take place in Suva, Fiji on 17-24 March 2019 building on the success of its inaugural year in 2018. The World Rugby Pacific Combine is designed to accelerate rugby development in the Pacific, paving the way for the region’s best and brightest rugby talent to thrive on the international stage.

The 2018 edition featured 30 players under the age of 23 from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, who impressed during the World Rugby Pacific Challenge. The Combine features a dedicated education and preparation camp, aimed at developing the next generation of test stars for professional rugby. Of the 30 participants in the inaugural edition, 12 have already gained professional contracts within Drua, Mitre 10, NRC and Super Rugby.

View video of World Rugby Pacific Combine here >>

Rugby World Cup 2019 takes place in Japan from 20 September to 2 November 2019. Rugby World Cup 2019 tickets are back on sale on 19 January. In the meantime, Official Supporter Tour and Hospitality packages can be purchased. Full details for the complete range of ticketing options can be found at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

-https://www.rugbyworldcup.com

“Ultimate fight” may be in offing for Jnr Fa after Saturday night’s victory in Christchurch

By
Philip Cass
-

New Zealand-born Tongan boxer Uaine Junior Fa may be going up against WBC world champion Deontay Wilder in what is being called the “ultimate fight.”

Speculation about the fight comes a month after Fa said a bout with heavyweight champion Joseph Parker was inevitable and something he wanted to happen sooner rather than later.

However, Fa’s manager, Mark Keddell, said there were no immediate plans for Fa to fight Parker.

Parker topped the bill on Saturday night’s boxing tournament in Christchurch,defeating Alexander Flores with a knockout in the third round.

Fa, who became New Zealand’s new heavyweight champion last year, knocked out Argentine boxer Rogelio Omar Rossi in round one during their weekend bout.

It was Fa’s 16th straight win.

The fight with Wilder is being touted for March or April 2019.

Fa and Wilder recently trained together and are both promoted by American Lou di Bella.

Fa’s manager Mark Keddell was quoted as saying after Saturday night’s tournament: “We’renegotiating a big fight at the moment so we’ll see how that goes.

“We’re talking the ultimate of the ultimate – and we’re getting pretty close.”

The main points

  • New Zealand born Tongan boxer Uaine Junior Fa may be going up against WBC world champion Deontay Wilder in what is being called the “ultimate fight.”
  • Fa, who became New Zealand’s new heavyweight champion last year, knocked out Argentine boxer Rogelio Omar Rossi in round one during their bout in Christchurch on Saturday night.

For more information

Junior Fa new New Zealand heavyweight champion

Tonga’s Prime Minister’s wife Neomai dies

By
Kalino Latu
-

Neomai Pōhiva, the wife of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has died in Tongatapu today. She was 70. 

It is understood Neomai died after long fight with cancer. 

The Minister of Police, the Prime Minister’s son in law has confirmed her death to Kaniva news this evening.

…More soon

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Samoa PM’s son is CEO of Finance Ministry

By
Kaniva Staff
-

SAMOA OBSERVER -The Samoan Cabinet has approved the appointment of Oscar Thomas Malielegaoi as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance. 

He is the son of Samoa’s Prime MinisterTuilaepa Dr Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and will assume the role on January 1, 2019,replacing Tupa’imatuna Iulai Lavea, who has been the CEO. the last nine years and is retiring.

Ministry of Finance staff said the new appointment was announced last Friday by the Minister of Finance Sili EpaTuioti during an official function. 

The outgoing CEO was at the helm of the Ministry in critical junctures in Samoa’s history, playing key roles to steer the Government through the global economic crisis and the 2009 tsunami and 2012 Cyclone Evan.

Tupa’imatuna was also instrumental in Samoa’s graduation from least developed country status to developing country. 

The newly appointed CEO.was a director’s advisor at the Asian Development Bank, and is currently the deputy director for the Ministry of Finance and assistant public trustee.  Repeated efforts by the Samoa Observer to get comments from Sili have been unsuccessful

Pōhiva says he has successor in mind to take over as Democracy Party leader

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva says he has a person in mind who could replace him as party leader when he steps down.

Speaking exclusively to Kaniva news, the 77-year-old political veteran said he had picked his potential successor after assessing members’ “commitment and sacrifice” to the Paati Temokalati ‘o e ‘Otu MotuAnga’ofa (the Democracy Party).

“I know him,” Pōhiva said.

Asked whether he could release the name of his possible successor, Hon. Pōhiva declined, saying it was not yet time for him to publicly announce the name.

Hon. Pōhiva also declined to confirm whether he would leave politics after his next three years in leading the government.

The Prime Minister said he was happy with how the Party was currently operating and the support it attracted from Tongans overseas.

He said the Party was buoyed by its victory in last year’s snap election after the king dissolved Parliament.

New Zealand supporters

The Prime Minister said he had been invited to south Auckland to attend an event organised by the Party’s supporters in New Zealand.

The supporters were members of the PTOA New Zealand society under the leadership of business man Sione Foaki Fifita.

Hon. Pōhiva marvelled at the number of women who had joined the group.

“A group was setup by democratic supporters from Tongans in New Zealand for the democratic movement in Tonga, but they were mostly men,” he said.

“I was surprised to see a number of women came forward and showed their support for the movement in Tonga by joining the group.”

Hon. Pōhiva said he believed his increasingly strong support from Tongans in New Zealand was triggered by a feud on social media between Facebook groups created by conservative and democratic supporters.

While political parties were not part of Tonga’s political system, for the last three decades the PTOA has been seen as a platform for democrats who want to become Members of Parliament. It is Tonga’s largest and longest serving political party.

Other political parties in Tonga include the new Action for the Poor Party,or Langafonua ‘a e Masiva, which was formed by current and former politicians who had been defected from the PTOA.

In the past, these parties have been set up purely to support certain politicians who were dissatisfied with Hon.Pōhiva and wanted to run in general elections.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva says he has a person in mind who could replace him asparty leader when he would step down.
  • Speaking exclusively to Kaniva news, the 77-year-old political veteran said he had picked his potential successor after assessing members’ “commitment and sacrifice” to the Paati Temokalati ‘o e ‘Otu Motu Anga’ofa (the Democracy Party).

For more information

Tonga in a new political order

https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/tonga-in-a-new-political-order.pdf
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